This book is on my reading list for my psychotherapy program, but it is a read that I think most people would really enjoy, as it addresses a common human problem. Christina Grof discusses that familiar “thirst” we have as human beings, which sometimes leads us follow an addictive path.

Grof links the ideas of attachment, addiction and the spiritual path together in this book, admitting that a common mistake we make is to look outside ourselves for a feeling of wholeness. When we addict or get attached to people, substances or just “stuff”, it does not mean we are weak or bad people…as far as I’m concerned, it means we are normal!

When we addict or become attached to something or someone, what we are looking for is that high we get from it, even if it is just momentary. When we don’t understand we can look within for that feeling of elation, we continue to depend on outside substances…and it continues and grows as our thirst increases.

That thirst or longing we all experience is the desire to taste ourselves – to connect with our True Self, that Higher Spirit we all have within us. It is that place where we find all of our wisdom and knowing, and where we ultimately know we are not alone or abandoned by God, the Universe or life in general.

If you struggle with addiction yourself, read this book. It can make some sense of your attachments and let you know that your desires are normal. As Grof quotes in her book,

            Accept that we are human and that to be human is to be attached.

Whew! I’m normal!

Peace, Jodie

Now don't be fooled by the title, this book is not "religious" per se. I know some people have a very charged relationship to the concept and word God, including myself. I am not going to get into a discussion here about what I believe God is or means to me, I am just going to tell you about this fantastic little book that opened my eyes a little wider.

Neale Donald Walsch was very down on his luck prior to this miracle book. Dirt poor, divorced, trying to make ends meet, and questioning how did life get so messed up, and why weren't his "prayers" being answered. We've all been there I'm sure. Then one night he decided to write a letter to God, asking questions about his life, including "What had I done to deserve a life of such continuing struggle?". Then, his pen began moving and his life changed. Essentially, Walsch began channelling answers to his questions from God. He was being given dictation from a force beyond himself, and 3 years later, this book was born.

The book is in question-and-answer format, with Walsch posing the questions and God answering. And the questions are real and heart-felt, and ones I'm sure everyone has asked to the Universe at some point: Why are we here?, Why is the world in the shape it's in?, Why don't I have more success?, Why do my relationships cause so much pain?...the questions are endless and God has answers! And there is even an answer as to who/what God is! But I will let you find that out for yourself...

What I loved about this book, is that it is easy to understand, and it makes sense! One of the strongest messages I received from Walsch's book is that we create our own reality, every second of every day. Sound familiar? I think I've gone on about this before! Through Walsch, God tells us that we can create whatever we choose, and we have created this world and life we live in. It is all up to us, not God, not some power outside of us, but us. We are creative beings through and through. The obstacle is just believing in ourselves and our power of creation.

That is truly a magical message. I am so thankful for Walsch's book, it really is a wonderful read. And there is also a movie out in relation to this book, with the same title, and I highly recommend it. It portrays Walsch's personal struggle, and it is very heart-wrenching and real. I really enjoyed it.

I will leave you with a quote from God, (which brought tears to my eyes), and I hope you read this book and enjoyed it as much as I did....

        Listen to Me in the truth of your soul. Listen to Me in the feelings of
       your heart. Listen to Me in the quiet of your mind.

Peace, Jodie 

I picked up this book months ago, it kinda jumped out at me at the bookstore...and I am so glad I did! I loved this book, so much so I finished it in 2 days flat. And it pretty much confirmed my beliefs about the body-mind connection, in a scientific way.

Yes, this book is a little science-y (not a word, I know), as it is written by a scientist. But, Bruce Lipton takes the science down to a more basic level, so the lay-person can understand what the heck he is saying. At times it made my eyes cross a little, but his analogies helped cell biology make sense to me. Lipton also has his spiritual side, which he brings into his science, especially on the issues of energy, and how our thoughts affect our biology.

The science that Lipton discusses is considered the "New Biology", whereby our biology (meaning our health, physical, mental and emotional) is directly affected by environment - at the basic level, our cells are influenced by their environment. Lipton outlines research that show our genes and DNA do not control our biology, but that DNA is controlled by signals outside the cell - and these signals include our thoughts. Lipton also delves into the mind-twisting world of quantum physics, which further proves from an energy perspective that our cells respond to "energetic" signals like thoughts and feelings, and create biological responses from these messages.

 I know, wow. Positive and negative thoughts are "read" by our cells and affect our health. This knowledge alone makes one rethink how we "talk" to ourselves, our internal dialogues and ongoing messages we tell ourselves every minute of every day. Lipton's research shows that disease and illness are not fated to us - the power of our thoughts can affect our health. The ultimate power is in our hands (or thoughts as it turns out!).

For those skeptics out there in regards to mind-body medicine, I suggest this book to you. It is science, plain and simple. Lipton has been in the biology field for over 20 years, and his research is solid and inspirational. Check out his personal website at www.brucelipton.com.

I will leave you with a quote Lipton includes in his book, which aptly sum up his research and message:

                   Your beliefs become your thoughts
                   Your thoughts become your words
                   Your words become your actions
                   Your actions become your habits
                   Your habits become your values
                   Your values become your destiny

                                                       --Mahatma Gandhi

Peace and health,

Jodie C. Lindley

"We cannot heal what we cannot feel"      --John Bradshaw

Okay, you know how I love the body-mind connection dynamic...well this book is an incredibly amazing exploration of just that, and it has become my bible. I'm not even done reading it and I'm already writing a  review! That's how invaluable Anodea's book has been to me, both in my personal life and career as a holistic bodyworker.

The book's subtitle is aptly named "Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self" and that's exactly what this book encompasses. Each Chapter is focused on a specific Chakra, and delves in depth into basic issues, the development of each Chakra in our lives, traumas and abuses that cause damage to the individual, the typical character structure, and healing techniques to balance each Chakra. This book forces you to take a deep look inside yourself, and there were many instances that I believed Anodea was writing about me. It hit home.

And as a special treat, Anodea includes inspirational quotes in the side bars throughout the book, which are relevant to the subject matter on the page. The quote at the beginning of this review by John Bradshaw is one I particularly loved, which Anodea included in her book....and there are many, many more.  The volume of information alone blew my mind, and clearly this is a book you read not once but over and over. The great thing is that Anodea does not talk above your head; her language is simple, concise and meaningful. I had a few lightbulb moments.

I would recommend this book for anybody willing to do the hard work to heal themselves, be that emotionally, physically or mentally. Or for holistic practitioners wanting to understand their clients better, because this book is really a look into the body-mind psychology of human beings. And isn't half the battle understanding why you are the way you are? I think so.

So I will leave you with a quote from Eastern Body, Western Mind, to inspire you to read this book and help yourself. Inner work is never easy and often hurts, but it is worth it....and so are you...

                                    What is to give light must first endure burning.
                                                                   --Victor Frankl

Peace, Jodie 

This was one of the most amazing books I've ever read, for sure in my top-ten favourites. It is not categorized as a self-help book...but it is. I think every person on the face of the Earth can identify with this book in some way, shape or form. It brought tears to my eyes. It is a truly beautiful book.

A Million Little Pieces is a Memoir by James Frey, accounting his six weeks in rehab. By the age of 23, James had abused his body so badly with alcohol and drugs, he was literally a dead-man-walking. He started when he was 10, and spiralled into darkness with each passing year, until he ended up being checked into a treatment facility, which is where we meet him: puking, detoxing and hating his existence...but still wanting, craving and needing alcohol or drugs.

Why is this a beautiful book? Because of the honesty of James, his willingness to admit his self-loathe and the truth of his existence. He doesn't believe in God, doesn't believe in the Twelve Steps or in AA. He believes the only way he will get better is to make a choice - to not drink or do drugs, or to do so and die. Even when told over and over this method will not work, this is his truth and it works for him.

What is also beautiful about this novel, is the writing style. Like James himself, it is honest and full of emotion, and at times like an ongoing mantra about life. Here is a passage near the end of the book  that I particularily loved:

"Fear is only fear. I already know that nothing can hurt me more than I have already hurt myself. I know there is no pain that I cannot endure. I know that by holding on each moment each hour each day the days add up each week each month if I hold on I will be fine. I know I am strong. I know I am strong enough to confront what I fear and I know I am strong enough to hold on until the fear goes away. I believe this in my heart."

To me, James is a hero. He brings hope. His story is horrifying and heartbreaking and very real. This happens every day. People are addicted every day, and look to outside things to fill them. James' message was simple to me. Live your truth, go day-by-day and know that you have everything you need inside you. Right on.

Peace, Jodie


***despite the current controversy over the authenticity of this book, and James Frey's account of actual facts, I still stand by my review of this book as fantastic and worth a read. Who cares if he exaggerated and bent the truth a bit about his criminal record...he went through this hell and captured the pure emotion of it in this book, which I'm sure has inspired a lot of people who suffer from addictions themselves. Leave the poor guy alone...jealousy is an ugly thing people. Let it go.

I got the title of this book in Louise L. Hay’s book The Power Is Within You (which is another great read by the way). This book challenges what we think about food, diets and ourselves. And the message is simple: the only diet there is, is love.

You may be thinking, oh here she goes again on the “what you think you create” business…well I keep repeating it because it’s true!! The mind-body connection has been talked about for ages…we just forgot that deep in our hearts we know it to be true.

This book really blew my mind. I have struggled with weight issues for many years, and have read many books on the subject. And I guess it's true that when the "student is ready the teacher appears", because this book might actually be what changes my thought processes on the subject of weight loss. I guess I was ready to hear this book's message.

The message that I gleaned from Sondra's book, is that food is just stuck energy. Weight is not about the food. Our negative thought patterns about ourselves and food are what we have to address. If we believe that eating a chocolate bar will make us fat, then it will. If we believe that we overeat in response to stress, then we will. Our body responds to what our mind is thinking.

Weight is about protection. We put on weight because somehow we feel unsafe or insecure. We put on weight because of stuck emotions, such as guilt, resentment, hate, and anger. Sondra's message is that if we unblock these negative emotions in our mind, and believe we are worthy of a thin, beautiful, and health body, then that is what we will have.

Easier said than done, you might think. True enough. Sondra's book requires inner work, work that you must be ready for. She includes tough mental and emotional exercises to do, journaling and affirmations. But aren't you worth it? Yes, you are.

I will leave you with one of her many affirmations...

          I love myself.
          My body automatically processes whatever food
          I eat to maintain my perfect weight.
          Everything I eat turns to health and beauty.

Peace and health!

Jodie Lindley

Wayne W. Dyer is a legend in the self-help book world. He has written over twenty books, many of which I have read - he is fantastic and I recommend any of his books very highly. I will probably review quite a few of his, but I will start with a simple one which I really enjoy, and which inspires me daily.

Wisdom of the Ages is a collection of essays written by Wayne, each modelled upon a saying, thought or poem by a famous "teacher" in history. Wayne takes 60 famous scholars, scientists, philosophers, poets and statesmen, and analyses a piece of their writing, and what it means on a spiritual, emotional and mental level.

This book highlights and celebrates the words and thoughts of people like Mother Teresa, William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman and Martin Luther King, Jr. Each of these "teachers" has inspired humanity in some way, and Wayne W. Dyer takes one piece of their work, and exposes its underbelly for us to appreciate, and inevitably learn a valuable lesson from.

One of my favourite entries, entitled "Hope", begins with a thought from the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo:

             The greatest danger
             for most of us
             is not that our aim is
             too high
             and we miss it,
             but that it is
             too low
             and we reach it.

Wayne's message to us from the inspiration of Michelangelo is that we can create whatever we desire, so never aim too low or think too small. If we think we will not achieve something, we won't. If we believe we will fail, we will. How amazingly simple is that? But how many times have we said to ourselves "oh, I'll never be able to do that". Self-defeating. We create what we think. It's as simple as that. Keep hope alive, Wayne says. Makes sense.

Not only does Wayne take the deep message from these writings and break them down into inspirational essays, he also provides some information on each writer and their life. This helps get you inside the author's mind and heart, and makes his or her message that much more inspiring.

For example, I didn't know that the famous English poet John Milton lost his eyesight in his early 40's, and had to dictate his poetry - understandably much harder in the 1600's than today. Milton's entry, the poem "On Time", explores the theme of "time as an enemy", and that really, in the end, we simply grow old and die. Harsh to think, but reality nonetheless. Wayne asks us to think about our physical self and possessions in life. He says "time has only leased them to you". Wayne suggests we make peace with time, and realize we are eternal beings - and to not fear time by living in truth, peace and love.

This book is great to have on your bedside table, to pick up and read an entry whenever you need to feel inspired. Wayne W. Dyer's messages are simple and beautiful. I feel truly inspired when I read his words, so I will leave you with some thoughts of his...

    By all means hang on to the awe, and appreciate
    every moment of life and every molecule of creation.
    But somewhere, deep down inside you, in a tiny
    corner of your awareness, know for certain that
    there is one divine presence at work in you and in
    the entire universe as well, and that it never makes
    a mistake, despite what you may have come to
    believe over the years.

Namaste (I honor the place in you where we are all one).


Jodie Lindley

This book rang a deep cord with me, as it is again along the lines of healing comes from within. But Louise's message is simple and clear: you must love yourself. Simple. But Difficult.

At the start of the book she lists some of her philosphies:

*we are each responsible for all of our experiences
*every thought we think is creating our future
*the point of power is always in the present moment
*everyone suffers from self-hatred and guilt
*the bottom line for everyone is, "I"m not good enough"
*it's only a thought, and a thought can be changed
*we create every so-called illness in our body
*resentment, criticism, and guilt are the most damaging patterns
*releasing resentment will dissolve even cancer
*we must release the past and forgive everyone
*we must be willing to begin to learn to love ourselves
*self-approval and self-acceptance in the now are the keys to positive changes
*when we really love ourselves, everything in our life works

Some of these statements may cause you discomfort or disbelief. But when you think about it, so much of our thought patterns go so unnoticed by us, it isn't  hard to believe that they are causing some sort of biological reaction within.

Just think about how much anger affects your body - it is a physiological reaction that we can feel physically and emotionally. Think about holding anger inside you for years and years, creating resentment, eating away at you. The body has memory, and if you are consistently holding onto something, it is going to affect your biology.

In  You Can Heal Your Life, Louise has a list of dis-eases (not "disease" as we call it) and probable causes leading to that disease, followed by a new thought pattern to help rid of the disease. For example, Louise believes the root cause of Arthritis is feeling unloved, coupled with criticism and resentment. The new suggested thought pattern to change this is "I am love. I now chose to love and approve of myself. I see others with love". How many of us say that to ourselves? I would guess not many.

Louise's ideas and philosophies in You Can Heal Your Life are presented in simple thoughts and affirmations anybody can do. The hardest part is saying them to yourself in a mirror, which is what Louise suggests we do.

How can you say to yourself  "I love and approve of myself" in a mirror 100 times a day? You just do it.

And as Louise dedicates this book to her readers with this simple verse, I dedicate this article to you...

"May this offering help you find the place within where you know your own self worth, the part of you that is pure love and self-acceptance."

Peace,

Jodie C. Lindley

What can I say about this book....well, it changed my life if you want the honest truth. I had read a couple of Caroline's books before, but this one spoke to me from the shelf, and I'm glad in the end I picked it up. It single-handedly started me on my soul's journey.

Caroline Myss is a medical intuitive, and speaks around the world about spirituality and personal power, which is also the theme of most of her books. Anatomy of the Spirit discusses energy medicine, and how every illness in the body corresponds to patterns of emotional/psychological stress, core beliefs and attitudes.

Caroline discusses the seven Chakras of the body, and how these energy centers influence you as a physical and spiritual human being. The phrase "your biography becomes your biology" pretty much sums up the message of this book. The Chakras are the power centers of your body, and if you know how to unblock your core issues in each Chakra, you can create the joy and peace you've always wanted in your life.

What blew me away about this book was the personal note it rang for me, deep inside. I thought to myself, "this is the information I've been waiting for". I am a Massage Therapist, and have spent the last 6 years working on people's bodies to relieve their pain and discomfort, and sometimes provide them with much-needed touch therapy. Up until I read this book, I was slowly starting to lose passion and inspiration for what I was doing.

When I read this book, it made me look at my clients and myself differently. I began to see that there often was a deeper reason for my clients' physical pain. If a client came in with a recurring stiff and immobile neck, I would ask them "is there anywhere in your life that you feel stuck lately?" It would often cause them to think about things, and go inside. And that is where everything you need to know is....inside.

It sounds obvious but you would be surprised how many people don't look inside themselves for answers. And that is the deep message I took from Caroline's book. If you want some inspiration, I suggest this book...with an open mind and spirit.

Peace.

Jodie Lindley